Kim Jong Un Orders Increased Ammunition Production for Russia’s War Efforts
Kim Jong Un has directed North Korea to ramp up ammo production for Russia’s war in Ukraine. This call follows heightened military cooperation, with reports of 15,000 North Korean troops deployed to the frontlines contributing to increased casualties. Analysts suggest future military collaboration may deepen following recent acknowledgments from both leaders.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has placed a focus on ramping up the country’s ammunition production in what appears to be a direct support line for Russia amid its ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Speaking at munitions and machinery factories, he praised modernization efforts aiming to increase the annual shell production capacity.
This call for increased output comes at a time when both South Korea and Japan have raised alarms over North Korea’s activity. Just earlier this week, the nation launched a series of rockets into the Sea of Japan, raising concerns regarding missile preparations potentially aimed at supporting Russia.
The alliance between North Korea and Russia has noticeably deepened over the past two years. Reports indicate that around 15,000 North Korean soldiers have been sent to the front lines in Ukraine, reinforcing Moscow’s military efforts since President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Pyongyang in 2024.
In a recent report by the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), there were no explicit remarks from Kim Jong Un regarding his backing of Putin’s invasion. However, he did assert the necessity of “strengthening the fighting efficiency” of North Korea’s armed forces.
Intelligence from South Korea indicates a grim picture: nearly 5,000 of the estimated 15,000 deployed North Korean troops have sustained casualties fighting against Ukrainian troops. This casualty figure came to light after North Korea officially acknowledged its troops’ involvement in the conflict, marking a significant moment in its military relations with Russia.
During a closed briefing, South Korea’s National Intelligence Service revealed its assessment that around 15,000 North Korean workers have been dispatched to Russia as part of industrial cooperation efforts. In exchange for these services, there seems to be no immediate signal that Russia is offering cash; rather, they are surmised to be providing military equipment, including air defense missiles and the potential for technology related to spy satellite launches.
Analysts speculate that further military collaboration could be on the horizon, indicated by the mutual acknowledgements from both Kim Jong Un and Vladimir Putin. With Putin expressing thanks for North Korea’s support, this alliance could evolve, enhancing military exchange initiatives between the two nations.
In summary, Kim Jong Un’s recent orders aim to bolster North Korea’s artillery ammunition production in support of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. This move aligns with the growing military ties between Pyongyang and Moscow. Intelligence reports suggest significant casualties among North Korean troops and collaboration that includes military technology and equipment exchanges, potentially deepening this geopolitical alliance further.
Original Source: www.express.co.uk
